How to identify your 850, S70 or early V/XC/C70 steering rack as either made by SMI or TRW.
SMI Is 5 and TRW is 4
Data plate right side in engine bay inner fender…
Also look at the rack itself (duh):
Totally worth it to just take a look at the boots, the TRW racks say “TRW” on the rubber boot, if you see that then you have solved it for your car. The TRW racks are much more common, too.
erikv11 » Totally worth it to just take a look at the boots, the TRW racks say “TRW” on the rubber boot, if you see that then you have solved it for your car. The TRW racks are much more common, too.
The TRW inner and outer tie rods have been foolproof for me as replacements (have only had TRW racks so far).
So… about this data plate…
It’s here. (But on the inside. Pop the hood.)
98v70dad » It is difficult to read my data plate so I just did a rubbing with a piece of paper and a lead pencil. I clearly have a 7 digit number. Its either 4F2PEV5 or 4F2PEVS. I rubbed it twice and the last digit is almost certainly an S as in SAM. What I understand is seven digits means TRW and the value of the last digit is irrelevant so it doesn’t matter that it might be a 5.
erikv11 » Most P80 cars came with TRW, I think all SMI racks were in were 98+ (like OP’s).
About using the product pate code: (e.g. see https://www.ipdusa.com/products/5800/11 … 8-2004-c70)
If that section of the product ID has 7 digits, then the car came with a TRW rack. If that section of the product ID has 8 digits, then the car came with a TRW rack UNLESS in position 8 there is a 5, which would mean SMI.
Keep in mind that even if a car came with a certain rack, there is no guarantee of what is in there now. Best way is to just look at the rack.
- TRW racks say “TRW” on the boots
- SMI racks have a hex nut on the cap under the steering gear, TRW racks have a rounded cap
I learned this from Jorgen automotive, the tech on the phone instantly knew to ask me the shape of the cap, I recommend them highly for rack rebuilding.
2 Comments
Dealer and afermarket suppliers tell me that 3 different steering racks were used on my 1994 Volvo 940, but nobody (including dealer) can provide me with information about identifying the type/manufacturer. Leaking rack makes replacement necessary, but which of three options to order, remains a mystery. Any ideas?
There was CAM, TRW, and ZF.
CAM/TRW were the same. ZF was different.
Either rack will work as long as the tire rods purchased are meant for the rack you buy.
If the rack is original, you can possibly reference your service plate…
Look for “Steering Gear”.
To the right you will see a number.
2, 4, or 5 means a Cam steering Rack was used.
3 means a ZF steering Rack was used.